Simon

I recently learned from a friend that in Vietnam that the 7th lunar month (Tháng Bảy) carries deep spiritual significance and unique cultural customs. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism and originates from the legend of Maudgalyayana (Mục Kiền Liên), a disciple of the Buddha who performed acts of merit to save his mother’s soul from hell. Upon discovering that his mother, Thanh Đề, had been reborn as a preta (hungry ghost), he brought a bowl of rice to the underworld to feed her. However, driven by her intense hunger, his mother covered the bowl with one hand while using the other hand to prevent other ghosts from stealing her food. Because of this legend, the period is equally known as Ghost Month (Tháng Cô Hồn). According to traditional beliefs, the King of the Underworld opens the gates of hell during this time, allowing spirits to visit the earthly realm. While many return to their families, spirits without living descendants are left to roam the living world, lost and hungry. ...

I am beginning to see very clearly that I am a reflection of everything I encounter. Much like looking into a mirror to recognize what might be considered distortions, blemishes and imperfections; shaped by perspectives and perceptions. Whether I am engaged with a person, place, or thing, I realize that these moments are opportunities to peel back the layers and reveal more of myself. When I view the world this way, my interactions feel less problematic. As I reflected further on this mirroring philosophy, it occurred to me that this concept is hardly unique; surely, there is an abundance of literature on the subject. A bit of exploration led me to non-dualism, which suggests that there is no separation between the observer and the observed. If this concept represents actual reality, then nothing we observe should evoke fear, anxiety, or concern. Instead, every observation should be opportunities for reflection and growth. In Mahayana Buddhism, reality is shaped by our perception a...